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EASTCHESTER, N.Y.  The Children Understanding Cultural Differences seventh and eighth grade basketball teams, with players from Bronxville, Eastchester and Tuckahoe, began their season last week with four games.

We had a good first week of games and the kids played really well, CUCD organizer and coach Donald Gunther said. We appreciate the support from everyone in the community.

The CUCD seventh graders began the season with a closely-contested 48-45 loss to Mount Kisco on Dec. 4. Michael Stellate had a team-high 10 rebounds and Jason Douglas and Jamon Murray scored in double figures, while Zachary Tucker and Isaiah Gunther were strong on defense.

The seventh graders continued their good defensive play in the second game of the season on Friday, holding Armonk to 19 points in a 41-19 victory. Jason Douglas, Jamon Murray and Christian Pinto had strong offensive games and Danny Belles, Alex Williams, Isaiah Gunther and Zachary Tucker contributed to the win.

The seventh-grade squad pushed its record to 2-1 Sunday with a 56-52 win over Mahopac with Jason Douglas scoring a game-high 21 points. Jamon Murray had 11 points, Zachary Tucker eight, Michael Stellate nine points and Isaiah Gunther had six for the winners. Mike Rizzo, Danny Belles, Jr., Willie Maze, Connor McHugh and Christian Pinto played well in the three-game set.

Gunther also cited Tuckahoe High School basketball player Justin Nolan for his assistance with the program.

Justin Nolan has been a tremendous help to our coaching staff by helping the kids that he sees all the time whether its in school, around the community or at our practices/games, Gunther said. Justins help shows tremendous character. After winning Saturday with his Tuckahoe teammates, Justin was at the high school supporting his brother Danny Belles Jr. and helping coaching the seventh grade team as well.